The Importance of Preventive Screenings for Prostate and Colorectal Cancer

As you age, your risk for developing certain health problems increases. Senior men, in particular, are at risk for ailments like prostate and colorectal cancer. Fortunately, routine health screenings can ensure you have a clean bill of health or catch these problems before they get much worse.

All men covered by Medicare should make it a priority to ask their doctor about these preventive screenings once a year. Doing so will ensure you receive necessary treatment as early as possible and can help you live a long and healthy life.

Why preventive screenings are important

Cancer is an extremely dangerous threat to your health. According to Medicare.gov, prostate cancer (cancer of the prostate gland near the urethra) is the second most-common form of cancer affecting men in the U.S. Colorectal cancer (cancer affecting the colon, rectum and/or anus) is the second most-fatal type of cancer among men and women. Both types of cancer are more prominent among men over the age of 50.

While there aren’t any definitive ways to prevent cancer, there are ways to catch it early. The easiest way to do this is by getting a routine preventive screening at your doctor’s office. These screenings can help your healthcare provider identify any abnormalities or signs of cancer, so you can get prompt treatment.

Many people avoid going to the doctor until they notice something is wrong. Preventive screenings check for cancer before the disease begins showing symptoms, so they’re not always top of mind for senior men. However, once cancer symptoms appear, treatment may become more difficult. Checking for cancer while it’s “silent” is crucial for maintaining your health. In many cases, early diagnosis can increase your treatment options.

Does Medicare cover prostate and colorectal cancer screenings?

Many seniors don’t want to get routine preventive screenings because they expect them to be expensive. Fortunately, Medicare covers many of these screenings — many of which require no out-of-pocket payments from you!

Your doctor might recommend these screenings to you during your Welcome to Medicare and subsequent Annual Wellness Visits. Men over the age of 50 are eligible for a digital rectal exam and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test once every 12 months — the same as an Annual Wellness Visit — to check for prostate cancer.

Additionally, numerous screenings for colorectal cancer, such as colonoscopies or fecal occult blood tests, are also covered by Medicare. You’ll want to check your Medicare plan to determine whether you’re eligible for these screenings and how often you can get them done.

Not all men will need annual cancer screenings. During your annual visit, your doctor will be able to recommend screenings based on your age, health and risk level. They can also help you set up a screening schedule to ensure you’re checked for cancer as often as you’re eligible. Making a plan for preventive screenings is one of the simplest ways you can protect your health as you age.

If you have questions about cancer screening benefits under Medicare, or if you’d like to learn more about adding comprehensive coverage to minimize your out-of-pocket healthcare costs, contact PlanEnroll. We represent a range of plans and will help you identify the right coverage to protect your health for years.

The information above should not considered medical advice. For help with medical-related issues, please talk to your doctor.

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